Round One is done! Only six more to go! Now I get to sit back and see which side effects are going to happen. I’m not sure I like this kind of surprise…

So while I am waiting, I thought this would be a good time for some other medical updates.

Genetics: I was lucky and qualified for a genetics research program focussing on women with breast cancer at Women’s College Hospital. This means that not only was my test scheduled more expediently, and I was able to spend over an hour learning from a Genetics Counsellor, I also received my results faster as well. And good news…I do NOT have the mutated gene! This also good news for my sister and my niece. And furthermore for me, it means that I have basically the same risk as any other woman for ovarian cancer (if I had the mutated gene, I would likely need a double mastectomy plus removal of the ovaries). I can now make my surgical decision based on more complete information.

Cardiology: With the results from my original biopsy, it was decided that I would need to have heart scans completed throughout my chemo program, which could be done at PMH. But I got lucky again and qualified for a cardiology research program at Toronto General Hospital, so I get to have more extensive testing of my heart throughout the duration of the treatments. Plus, if I ever have a “heart event”, even 20 years down the road, then I am already cardiology patient at TGH. The testing that I get to have done consists of extra blood work, echocardiograms and heart MRIs. The first phase of this testing took place on Sunday at TGH. And apparently my heart is very photogenic! (Yes, the cardio sonographer actually said that!)

Next steps: Aside from waiting for the side effects to kick in, I head back down to PMH tomorrow for the injection of Neulasta, the immune boosting drug. This will be followed by a short procedure for the insertion of a small titanium clip to mark the tumour. The clip literally marks the spot so that the surgeons can remove the correct area during the post-chemo surgery, as the intention is for the chemo to completely shrink the tumour. Once the clip is in, I am free for the rest of the week! I’m sure this is welcome news to Gord and Kate as they have been shuttling me back and forth to all of these appointments!

(The side effect of hair loss will start around Day 14…so I still have two weeks of my cute new haircut!)